Sony’s Extra Bass line of speakers and headphones have proved popular for one very simple reason — a lot of people like bass. At this year’s CES, it has announced several new members to the family across both Bluetooth speakers and headphones, and it seems like this year’s offerings could be the Extra Bass line’s best yet.
With more features and sound options, the speakers are worth a look for everyone, but especially those who own an Android phone, as many of the apps mentioned are only available on that platform.
MDR-XB950N1 and MDR-XB950B1 headphones
The top of the line when looking at the newest Extra Bass series headphones are the wireless MDR-XB950 series, and Sony has gone all out with two different variations. The MDR-XB950B1 delivers all the bass you’re looking for, as does the MDR-XB950N1, which also adds noise canceling into the mix.
Both headphones support Bluetooth connectivity with aptX and AAC, as well as NFC for easy pairing, and then go a step further with Sony’s Headphones Connect app, which allows you to switch between Arena, Club, Concert Hall, and Outdoor Stage virtual environments. The level of bass can be adjusted as well, so you can dial it in to the exact levels you prefer, rather than settle for too much or too little low end.
The MDR-XB950N1 offers a claimed 22 hours of playback time, while the MDR-XB950B1 offers up to 18 hours. No matter which option you pick, if you do happen to run out of battery life, either can be used in passive mode with the included cable, so you don’t have to worry about running out of music when you run out of battery life.
MDR-XB550AP on-ear headphones
If you’d rather opt for wired headphones, the MDR-XB550AP offers the low end the Extra Bass series is known for in a slightly more compact package. These headphones pack in 30mm drivers and use specially designed ear cups to provide enhanced bass response, with a claimed frequency response of 5Hz up to 22 kHz.
An inline remote and microphone are present so you can easily take and make calls as well as control playback. Sony also provides a Smart Key App in the Google Play Store that allows you to customize how the remote control acts on your phone. The MDR-XB550AP on-ear headphones will be available in black, red, blue, green, and white.
MDR-XB510AS in-ear headphones
The MDR-XB510AS take things even smaller and are meant for those who like to listen to music while they’re on the move. These in-ears offer a stabilizing “arc supporter” to keep them inside your ears, and are IPX5/7 certified so you don’t have to worry about wearing them in the rain or while you’re working up a sweat.
Despite the small size, the MDR-XB510AS promise big bass, with the driver and ear piece working together with the arc supporter for enhanced performance. These in-ears come with a clip, arc supporter, cord adjuster, and mesh carrying pouch to keep them safe when they aren’t in use.
SRS-XB40, SRS-XB30, and SRS-XB20 Bluetooth speakers
Despite the difference in model numbers, Sony’s SRS-XB40, SRS-XB30, and SRS-XB20 Bluetooth speakers have a lot in common, with the main difference between them being the size. They can even be linked together using Sony’s SongPal app to play music across up to 10 speakers, which the company refers to as the “wireless party chain,” complete with a synchronized light show.
As the biggest of the bunch, the 4-inch by 11-inch SRS-XB40 offers the most lighting effects, with a light around the outside that’s capable of producing a rainbow of different colors, a strobe flash, and a speaker light. The SRS-XB30 offers a similar array of lights, while the SRS-XB20 features a single-color line light around the outside that matches the color of the speaker. All of these lights pulse with the rhythm of whatever music you’re playing.
All of the speakers feature Voice Guidance, which can tell you just how much battery life is left, while the SRS-XB40 and SRS-XB30 offer a full-size USB port that allows them to charge mobile devices. If you have two of the same speaker, they can also be paired together to operate in stereo model.
SRS-XB10
Much smaller than even the most compact of the above speakers, the SRS-XB10 is aimed at the listener who needs something ultra-portable. Sony says the 3-inch by 3.5-inch speaker is still worthy of its Extra Bass name, and it even offers up to 16 hours of battery life, which is impressive considering there isn’t all that much space to fit a battery.
Like the bigger XB series Bluetooth speakers, the SRS-XB10 is IPX5-rated water-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about it taking a splash or two by the pool. Two of the speakers can even be paired together to operate in stereo.
Whether you’re looking at the headphones or the speakers, all of the models above have a tentative release date of spring 2017 , and Sony says that more information regarding pricing and exact release dates will come at a later date.
